Bhutto and Gowda<\/p>\n
\"For the sake of our people and as civilized nations, let us
\nsit across the table for a search for lasting peace,\" Pakistan
\nPrime Minister Benazir Bhutto wrote in a letter to her Indian
\ncounterpart, H.D. Deve Gowda (The Jakarta Post, June 12, 1996).
\nThe very next day I read in The Jakarta Post (June 13, 1996),
\n\"Premier Bhutto tells story of world's urban horrors\". In her
\nstriking speech before the second UN Conference of Human
\nSettlements, she poetically described the urban problems by
\nquoting T.S. Eliot and Margaret Mead.<\/p>\n
A policy on peace in the Indian subcontinent is urgent. The
\nreason is not hard to see. Popular fear of religious
\nfundamentalism has grown, especially with the rise of Bharatiya
\nJanata Party (BJP) to the largest party in India. If BJP were in
\npower, I am afraid it would be harder even to have an intelligent
\ndebate on bilateral relations. Under the circumstances,
\nsomething, preferably something bold, must be done about it.
\nReciprocating her views, Deve Gowda is proposing to encourage
\ntrade, economic and cultural contacts while taking up other
\nissues of concern. Deve Gowda's policy to give Jammu and Kashmir
\n\"the maximum degree of autonomy\" is welcome.<\/p>\n
It is also refreshing to read Bhutto's quotations of T.S.
\nEliot at a time when subcontinent politicians are losing respect
\nat a fast pace. There is nothing odd or surprising in her
\nobservation of appalling picture, \"full of untold horror\", of the
\nworld's cities. Though it has become common knowledge that
\nbreathing, let alone deep breathing, is becoming harmful in
\ncities, her speech covering dirt, slums, pollution, noise, high
\ndivorce rates, drugs, violence and criminal activity is laudable.<\/p>\n
\"I want to know God's thoughts...the rest are details,\" Albert
\nEinstein said.<\/p>\n
If genuinely committed, it will not be difficult to eliminate
\nthe obstacles, however daunting they may be, to harmonious
\nrelations among the nations or making cities better places to
\nlive.<\/p>\n
Congratulations to both the leaders.<\/p>\n
D. PRABHAKAR<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bhutto-and-gowda-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }